Church program to share good news

Monday

Dec 2, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Nancy HastingsTwitter: @nhastingsHDN

HILLSDALE – A celebration of Christmas in scripture, poetry and song will offer the community an opportunity to celebrate the season with a local congregation.The Hillsdale First United Methodist Church will present the Christmas program “Share the Good News! He is Born” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.Music Director John Ourensma said the program will be “a wonderful celebration of the Christmas story through choral music, arrangements for handbell choir, scripture and poetry, and includes the singing of several familiar Christmas carols by choir and audience.”A special appearance by three visitors from the East will be a highlight of the program, he added. Member Joanne Fuller, who created the regal-looking costumes for the program, said it took her six weeks to put the outfits together.“I looked for material and found (satin and velour) on sale,” she said. “Each has a cassock and a robe over it made of velour. They also have head gear made to fit.”Fuller said she “had a ball” doing the costumes, giving her opportunity to “turn her creativity loose.”The basic framework of the program is a Christmas musical by the contemporary church music composer Allen Pote.“It features a mix of strong, up-tempo tunes as well as more quiet, reflective ones,” Ourensma said.The choral selections will be sung by the 18-voice Hillsdale First UMC Chancel Choir, assisted by vocal soloists Bethany Bowen, Jim Bowen, Roger Brook, Don Gambill and Faith Liu.Also performing will be the Hillsdale First UMC Handbell Choir, with Jacob Martin playing oboe and Reneé Nestorak the violin.“Poetry readings will include an Advent poem by K. Lee Scott and three beautiful examples of the Christmas poetry from the pen of Christina Rossetti,” Ourensma said.The Rev. Pat Brook and Jack Reamer will read the poetry and Laurel Ourensma will be scripture narrator.Nestorak, who serves as assistant director of music, said she’s excited to see the program come together.“We started (practicing) at the beginning of September,” Nestorak said. “I think it’s a fun cantata.”Admission to the program is free, and is open to all. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.